Cryogenic refrigeration is achieved through the use of liquefied gases, such as liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. These gases are able to cool materials to extremely low temperatures because they boil at extremely low temperatures. For example, liquid nitrogen boils at -196°C (-320.8°F), and liquid helium boils at -268°C (-452.4°F).
One of the most common uses of cryogenic refrigeration is in the medical field, specifically in the preservation of biological samples, such as blood and semen. These samples are often stored in cryogenic tanks, which are specially designed to maintain extremely low temperatures for extended periods of time.
Cryogenic refrigeration is also used in the field of scientific research, specifically in the study of materials at extremely low temperatures. Scientists use cryogenic refrigeration to study the properties of materials at temperatures close to absolute zero, which is the temperature at which all thermal motion stops. By studying materials at these extremely low temperatures, scientists can gain a better understanding of their properties and behavior.
Cryogenic refrigeration is also used in the field of cryosurgery, which is a form of surgery that uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. This is often used to treat cancerous tumors.
Cryogenic refrigeration is also used in industry, such as in the production of semiconductors and in the storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenic refrigeration is used to cool the equipment that is used to produce the semiconductors. This is necessary because the equipment generates a lot of heat, which can cause problems with the production process. By using cryogenic refrigeration to cool the equipment, manufacturers can ensure that the production process runs smoothly.
In the storage of LNG, cryogenic refrigeration is used to cool the natural gas to a liquid state, which makes it much easier to transport and store. This is because LNG is about 600 times more compact than natural gas in its gaseous form.
Overall, cryogenic refrigeration is a valuable technology that is used in a wide variety of fields and industries. Its ability to cool materials to extremely low temperatures makes it an essential tool in the preservation of biological samples, the study of materials at extremely low temperatures, the treatment of cancerous tumors and the production of semiconductors and the storage of LNG.